SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Anderson University women's cross country team opened the 2016 season by finishing second at the 33rd USC Upstate Eye Opener, while Luke Horne, Brooks Hovis and Garret Knight competed for the men's squad Friday evening at the Milliken Research Center.
Despite the outlying effects of Hurricane Hermine, the course was in good shape for the event, which included Anderson, Converse, Clemson, Erskine, King, Limestone, Lincoln Memorial, Stetson, USC Upstate, Wofford and Young Harris.
Freshman Breck Jones paced the Trojan women over the 5K course, covering the distance in a time of 20:17.26 and finishing third among NCAA Division II runners. Sophomore Abigail Bozarth (20:36.19) claimed sixth, while newcomer Morgan Bridges placed seventh in a time of 20:44.80. Freshman Rebecca Faircloth finished in ninth place after crossing the finish line in a time of 21:10.35 and senior Mia Swierzs (21:44.60) finished 14th among D-II competitors. Seniors Amber Worthy (23:21.76) and Bari Robinson (24:08.24) finished 20th and 22nd, respectively.
A trio of Trojan freshmen competed in the men's 8K, with Luke Horne finishing 11th among D-II runners in a time of 27:49.58. Teammate Brooks Hovis was 13th in a time of 28:14.16. Garret Knight finished 22nd after crossing the line in a time of 30:04.21.
Both teams will get back on the course Saturday, Sept 10 at the Furman Cross Country Classic in Greenville, S.C.
